Steve J. Williams

Emporia — A private family graveside service with military honors for Steve J. Williams, 64, Emporia, will be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Philip Billard Post No. 1650. A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Congregational Church of Emporia with the Rev. Andrew McHenry officiating.Mr. Williams died Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at his home.He was born Nov. 22, 1944, in Aberdeen, S.D., the son of Stephan J. and Etta Townsend Williams. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Emporia in 1962 and attended Emporia Teachers College.Mr. Williams had served in the Air Force.He was a retired railroad conductor.Mr. Williams was a member of First Congregational Church of Emporia. He was an active 4-H leader. He was a member of VFW Philip Billard Post No. 1650 in Topeka, and a member of the A.B.A.T.E. chapter in Emporia. He also volunteered at the V.A. Hospital in Topeka, as well as being a tax volunteer for H&R Block. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He married Donna Worley in 1967. They were later divorced. He then married Vickie Joseph Works on Sept. 13, 2002, in Galveston, Texas. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include three daughters, Kimberly Williams Wolff and husband Jeff Wolff, Baldwin City, Marci Williams Walburn and husband John Walburn, Lenexa, and Chandra Williams and husband Brent Swain, Kansas City, Mo.; three stepchildren, Keri Ybarra and husband Jerry, Wellington, Brandy Works, Olpe, and Jonathon Works and wife Kyrs, Lawrence; 13 grandchildren, Teadora, Cole, Taylor, Xander, Gillian, Maecy Lynn, Grayson, Ally, Gage, Savanna, Aydan, Dominic and Alyssa; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Don.The family suggests memorials to a veterans charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of the Charter Funerals, 501 W. Sixth Ave., Emporia, KS 66801.